Statement by Deputy Press Secretary Larry M. Speakes on the Withdrawal of the Nomination of Ernest W. Lefever To Be an Assistant Secretary of State

June 5, 1981

The President this evening reaffirmed his confidence in the integrity and competence of Dr. Lefever. The President was prepared to stand behind his nomination until final disposition by the Senate, and he deeply regrets that the nation will lose the benefit of his services.

Note: The statement was released in response to Dr. Lefever's letter to the President requesting that his nomination to be Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs be withdrawn. Earlier in the day, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee had voted 13 - 4 against favorable consideration of the nomination in the Senate.